As the countdown to the IPL 2026 Auction gathers pace, cricket expert and former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has revealed his list of five players he believes will attract strong interest from franchises. With teams preparing to rebuild and restructure, Pathan’s selections focus heavily on fast bowling — a commodity increasingly dominating T20 cricket. His list also includes a high-impact all-rounder who could become one of the biggest talking points of the auction.
Star Indian bowler leads the domestic pacer category
Pathan’s first pick was India’s rising fast bowler Akash Deep, whom he praised for his impressive control and new-ball prowess. Speaking on Star Sports, Pathan explained that the right-arm quick possesses a straight seam position, late movement, and zippy release — all of which make him a dangerous bowler in the powerplay.
He suggested that Sunrisers Hyderabad, who recently moved on from Mohammed Shami, might be among the teams keen to secure Akash Deep. Pathan emphasized that any franchise looking for a dependable Indian fast bowler with strong new-ball skills will likely keep a close eye on him during the bidding.
“If I talk about Akash Deep, his seam is very straight. If any team can make use of his new-ball skills, he can be beneficial because he is excellent with the new ball. The way his deliveries zip and comes onto the bat, it comes well. He also generates that late movement, as we saw in England. Akash Deep’s quality is with the new ball. I feel SunRisers Hyderabad are short of Indian fast bowlers, they have also released Mohammed Shami, so they can go for him,” said Pathan on Star Sports.
Pathan also included Akash Madhwal in his five-player watchlist, praising his rapid rise in T20 cricket and his ability to handle pressure at the death. Known for his pinpoint yorkers and disciplined bowling in crunch moments, Madhwal has already showcased his temperament in high-stakes IPL matches.
Australian all-rounder tipped to draw massive attention
Among all-rounders, Pathan’s standout pick was Australia’s Cameron Green, predicting that teams will go all out for him despite purse constraints. Calling him a rare entity in world cricket, Pathan noted Green’s high-arm action, natural bounce, ability to swing the ball, and impact with the bat.
Green prefers batting at the top but also offers flexibility in the middle order — a combination that makes him a strategic asset. Pathan stated that fast-bowling all-rounders of his calibre are ‘scarce in nature,’ making the Australian one of the most valuable names heading into the auction.
Pace duo expected to create frenzy
Adding to his list, Pathan picked two overseas quicks known for their lightning pace — Anrich Nortje and Matheesha Pathirana — both of whom he believes will be in heavy demand.
Nortje, with his ability to consistently clock speeds above 150 km/h, brings raw intimidation and wicket-taking ability in all phases of the innings. Pathan noted that Nortje’s experience across global T20 leagues makes him an immediate impact signing for any side seeking a strike bowler.
Pathirana, known as the ‘Baby Malinga’ due to his slingy action, has built a reputation as a deadly death-overs specialist. His ability to deliver pinpoint yorkers and unsettle batters with deceptive angles places him among the most exciting young pacers available. Pathan believes that his unique skillset will spark strong competition among franchises.
